Some artifacts from the 80's thrash metal scene deserved to be revisited and given the kind of remaster/reissue treatment that Metal Mind Productions has been lovingly doing this past year to some real gems from the Roadrunner back catalog. Destined For Extinction from New Jersey's Blessed Death however isn't necessarily one of them. While musically there are some decent moments here on their sophomore release from 1987, especially in terms of the guitar playing and savage drum attack, it's nothing we haven't heard before and better from bands like Exodus, Destruction, Kreator, or even Slayer. Considering that part of the original production was worked on by famed thrash producer Alex Perialas, there's a certain muddiness here that you didn't hear on albums he worked on from bands like Anthrax, Overkill, and Testament. And the vocals? Well, that is by and large the worst thing about Destined For Extinction. Mr. Portelli's mix of lower register shouts and painfully annoying high pitched shouts will easily wreak havok with your eardrums, to the point that enjoying the raging thrash arrangements are often difficult. It's a real shame, as his gruff style is really not that bad, but when he decides to try his Geoff Tate meets Tom Araya impression he fails quite miserably.
All things considered, this remaster looks good, with full lyrics and essay, and the remaster job tries its best to clear up the mud. Thankfully, this one's barely over 30 minutes long, so the torture is quick. Chalk it up as a late 80's release that had a few good moments, but was ultimately tainted by some bad vocal choices.
Track Listing
1. Digital War 04:02
2. Painkiller 03:51
3. 10000 Days Of Bloodshed 03:41
4. Incoming Wounded 04:30
5. Pray For Death 02:49
6. Death In The Sky 02:18
7. Curse Of Weapons 02:50
8. Alien Impregnation 04:47
9. Destruction's Eve 04:14
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